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The biggest and almost exclusively known risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Those who have inhaled or ingested the toxic mineral are prime candidates for developing the disease. Even indirect exposure (known as secondary exposure) has been linked to cause mesothelioma in many instances.
Risks from Direct Exposure
Anyone who has encountered asbestos is at risk for developing mesothelioma. Asbestos and asbestos-containing products were commonly used in a wide variety of industries throughout most of the twentieth century. Some workers in those industries encountered the dangerous mineral on a daily basis, unknowingly exposing themselves to a substance that would eventually wreak havoc on their lungs.
Workers who may have encountered asbestos on the job include:
- Shipyard workers
- Insulators
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Pipefitters
- Steamfitters
- Welders
- Railroad employees
- Power plant employees
- Chemical plant employees
- Boilermakers
- Auto mechanics
- 9/11 first responders/emergency personnel
Risk from Secondary Exposure
In the past decade, more and more cases of secondary exposure to asbestos have come to light. Those subject to secondary exposure are often people who live in a household where someone else works with asbestos. These individuals usually inhale asbestos fibers brought home on the hair and clothes of other family members.
Many secondary exposure cases have been discovered in young people who sat on their father's or grandfather's lap when they came home from work. Other examples of secondary exposure have been found among those who lived near a factory that produced asbestos-containing products or near mines that harvested asbestos-laced vermiculite. While these individuals had no direct contact with the toxic mineral, the amount of asbestos dust in the air was enough to cause them to develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Smoking
Studies have shown that smoking does not cause mesothelioma. However, those that smoke and are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing the disease. As a matter of fact, some statistics show that smokers are as much as 90 percent more likely to develop mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos. This is an important risk factor and one that is often overlooked by long-time smokers. In addition, those who have already developed asbestosis should avoid smoking at all costs, as the combination of the two significantly raises the risk of contracting mesothelioma.
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